Stories from Soundings: Woman of the Year Emylee Wood
Emylee Wood’s list of accomplishments at Endicott College wasn’t finished when she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2018.
A few months later, the former Endicott field hockey defender and captain was chosen as the College’s 2018 NCAA Woman of the Year Award nominee, and she was one of two Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) selections for the honor.
“This honor allowed me to reminisce on all my hard work over the last four years,” says Wood. “I felt that all the work I put into field hockey, being a leader, and obtaining my degree was being recognized. All my hard work over the years paid off as I look back at my accomplishments and my new career as a nurse.”
In addition to that distinct honor, Wood also was named a Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-American Second Team selection, a three-time NFHCA All-New England honoree, a three-time All-CCC First Team selection, the 2017 CCC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, a three-time CCC Academic All-Conference member, and Endicott's 2018 Female Athlete of the Year.
Wood (23 goals, seven assists, 53 points) starred in 79 games throughout her Endicott career, and she’s in the College’s record book tied for fifth in defensive saves (seven) and 10th in games started. "I have never coached a more determined player than Emylee,” says field hockey coach Jodi Cipolla. “On the field, Emylee was a force. She was strong and talented, but also incredibly hard-working. She set high expectations for herself and her teammates and motivated them to be their best.”
Wood, now a registered nurse in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) at Tufts Medical Center, recently answered a few of our questions about her time at Endicott and in the workforce.
Why did you choose Endicott College?
I chose Endicott because of the smaller campus, great academic facilities, and the opportunity to grow academically and athletically at the same time.
Why did you want to become a nurse?
I have always had a passion for helping people, even in their most vulnerable state. Every individual deserves the same respect and care. I love going home after a day of work knowing that I made a positive impact in someone’s life. There is no greater feeling.
How was your experience in the nursing program?
I am so lucky to have been a part of Endicott’s nursing program. The faculty and administration were a team of understanding and enthusiastic nurses that were with me every step of the way. They were understanding when it came to athletic and academic conflicts and were always accommodating to make it possible for me to succeed in both.
What are your career aspirations?
While working in the cardiothoracic ICU, I hope to obtain the critical care and hemodynamic skills and experience to advance me to my next academic step. My goal is to apply to certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) school in a few years.
Learn more about Endicott's nursing program and athletic opportunities.
This article is featured in the Winter 2019 edition of Soundings, the Endicott College magazine that highlights happenings in our community such as academic program enhancements, alumni spotlights, student successes, campus news, sports highlights, faculty accolades, and community successes.